Argentina secured their 21st win in 22 internationals with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chile at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, earning a place in the Copa América quarter-finals. Despite having more players from the Argentinian league in their starting XI than Argentina did, Chile, managed by Argentinian Ricardo Gareca, initially managed to keep the game compact.
The first shot on target came in the 22nd minute from Julian Alvarez, but his scuffed effort was easily gathered by Chile’s 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, earning his 150th cap. The match turned physical as Gabriel Suazo collided with Lionel Messi, and Rodrigo De Paul accidentally stepped on Suazo’s shin. Nicolas González almost capitalized on a mistake by Chile’s Erick Pulgar, but his hesitation allowed Bravo to collect his header.
As halftime approached, Messi, playing his first match since turning 37, nearly scored from 30 yards, hitting the post. After the break, Argentina increased the pressure, with Bravo making saves from Nahuel Molina and pushing González’s effort onto the crossbar. Chile had their chances, with Emiliano Martinez showcasing his skills by making two crucial saves against Rodrigo Echeverría.
Substitutes Angel Di María and Lautaro Martinez were brought on, with Lautaro scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute after Giovani Lo Celso was denied by Bravo. A VAR check confirmed the goal, ensuring Argentina’s passage to the knockout stages with a game to spare. Meanwhile, Chile must beat Canada in their next match to avoid a group-stage exit, which would be their first since 2004.
Source: ghmediahub
